The League is underway at The Basketball Movement

The League tips off with a pair of games between 5th and 6th grade boys and girls teams. The energy is electric in one of the area’s top basketball facilities.

Both gyms are filled with the sounds of balls bouncing, shoes squeaking, and coaches already working hard to fire up their teams. The Basketball Movement is the perfect location for this jamboree-style monthly tourney. We are off to a hot start, but Rob Yanders’ wheels are already turning on how to grow The League.

Today’s games will be running all day between 5th and 6th grade boys and girls. We will be incorporating broader age groups in future events in The League.

The opening games feature Yanders Law vs. MO Aces in the east gym and Fair Grove vs. SW Kings in the west gym. The SW Kings are bringing it early, showing out with length, athleticism and grit. We are keeping stats and will be giving shoutouts to teams and players that came to play.

Make sure you are following us on Twitter and Instagram and give us a “Like” on Facebook to make sure you are keeping up with all the action.

The Basketball Movement coaches and staff are all sporting The League gear, with more and more players rocking the new t-shirts and other swag as well. Though the teams are here to compete, there is great rapport between the parents, players, and coaches. We say it quite a bit, but the sense of community and teamwork is alive and well here at The Basketball Movement.

Talent is certainly on display between these young players - we are thrilled to have such great teams here showing out. If you have a team that you think is deserving of a spot in one of our upcoming events - Give us a shout at basketballmovement@yahoo.com and we will be happy to hear you out.

Stay tuned for more!

Coach Sly Yanders becomes The Basketball Movement Project Manager

2019 is going to be a big year for The Basketball Movement. One important step is promoting Sly Yanders to Project Manager.

Anyone that has stepped foot through the doors of The Basketball Movement has likely seen Sly Yanders hard at work. Founder Rob Yanders’ brother, Sly has been there every step of the way as The Basketball Movement has grown from a couple of empty gyms into the premier basketball training facility in this part of the country.

One of the greatest gifts you can give is time. Sly has dedicated massive amounts of time to our organization. From painting, scrubbing the floor, and other behind-the-scenes work to coaching and training every day, Sly Yanders’ commitment to The Basketball Movement cannot be overstated. Rob says that being there through the lows has helped Sly to learn so much along his path, which has fully prepared him for his new role as Project Manager.

Time alone is not the reason that Sly is coming into this new role with the business. He is the ultimate candidate for a role in which he occasionally needs to reign in or help direct his brother, Rob.

“I’m not sure anyone knows me quite like Sly. Him being a part of my business has been a gift and a curse, because things can occasionally get personal when trying to balance business and blood. We are in a great place right now, and the time is right to give him this title.”

— Rob Yanders

The key to managing a family relationship in business is to allow it to bend, but not break. Despite adversity, Rob and Sly have remained allies at all times.

“I’m not going to be able to roll with every one of his ideas just because we are brothers,” Rob said. “That said, no one knows my vision and what I want for The Basketball Movement like Sly does.” Sly has already been unofficially helping to manage Rob and his operations for a long time. The trust and track record of demonstrated excellence makes the timing of this move perfect.

Sly will take some things of off Rob’s plate by handling many of the day-to-day operations of The Basketball Movement. He will continue to operate as part of Rob’s brain trust, providing ideas and challenging the status quo. Naturally, as Project Manager, he will play a major role in all events conducted by The Basketball Movement.

When asked about why he has chosen to dedicate everything to The Basketball Movement, Sly focused on two things: Brotherhood and faith.

“There is no one I would rather have spent all of this time with,” Sly said. “Getting to work alongside my brother while we help kids and use what we love to build a better world for future generations… that is why I do it.”

Brother or not, Sly says that it is easy to follow a leader like Rob Yanders.

“I have faith in Rob and the direction he is taking his business. It is easy to believe in The Basketball Movement and where it is going because I have already seen where it has been and where it is now. Watching Rob over the years, has given me plenty of proof that he will do everything he sets out to do.”

— Sly Yanders

Sly is a man of faith and was quick to point out that men were not intended to be alone. A partnership is strongest when both parties completely believe in the relationship. Sly is honored to have the opportunity to grow in his brother’s business. The business is likewise very fortunate to have a Project Manager like Sly Yanders.

In his time working with his brother, Sly says that he has learned a lot from Rob’s commitment, dedication, grit, and desire to serve others. These infectious traits are helping to form a team that is one of the best in the business on and off the court. The Basketball Movement’s new Project Manager embodies all of these things as well. Congratulations, Sly!

The Basketball Movement's first partnership - Craig Smith

The Basketball Movement is adding even more strength, this time through its partnership with the one-and-only Craig Smith.

Sharing is not always easy. It is a lesson that we have all struggled with at times. It is a lesson that The Basketball Movement’s Founder, Rob Yanders is teaching at home and in the gym. It is also something that he is learning to do himself with a business he started and built into a success.

Letting someone in on an organization you started solo is more than a business decision. To Rob, The Basketball Movement is his baby - not on the level of his actual family of course, but something that he has dedicated blood, sweat, tears, and countless hours to build. That tells you how he must feel about his new partner, Craig Smith.

Yanders has said that The Basketball Movement is a character-based organization. Coach Craig and his family have made it abundantly evident to Rob over the years that they hold the same values not only in basketball but in life. Rob described Craig as a family man that is all about sacrificing for others. You can tell a lot by how a man treats his family, which greatly helped Rob in this decision.

Rob and Craig established a friendship around seven years ago. From coaching against each other to just talking basketball, it was quickly evident that they had a shared passion for the game. Rob invited Craig to his facility to just watch his players and soak in his brand of basketball. Coach Craig recalls feeling very at home in The Basketball Movement environment. “We had a similar vision - I knew it would be easy to grow together”, Smith recalled.

In talking to Craig Smith, he gave two strong reasons that he decided to become involved with The Basketball Movement:

“Number one: I’ve always felt a need to help kids feel welcome and have the ability to pursue their goals. I love the game and like when it is played the right way; there is no better place for that than The Basketball Movement.

Number two: I grew up in a house that was completely open to the community. I desire to be in a position to spread love to others in the same way.”

— Craig Smith

For Craig, this partnership is a dream come true, as he says he was destined to coach and be around basketball in any way possible. He recalled being five years old, watching teams play at the local high school. His Dad would play “What are they running?” with him, so he has been dissecting offenses nearly his whole life.

After playing in high school, Craig was more academically driven in college, though he never left the sport of basketball. He recalls working camps like crazy and getting close to and picking the brain of every basketball mind he could (a list including names like Norm Stewart and John Calipari).

His desire to surround himself with great basketball minds and dive completely into the sport is what makes a pairing with Rob Yanders perfect.

This partnership has been a while in the making. Rob says that they have really been testing the waters over the last year with Craig coaching Yanders Law teams, facilitating workouts, and much more. “For 365 days straight, Coach’s passion and commitment to the game has been clear. He brings a lot to the game on and off the court. Craig is all-in, so I am too”, said Rob.

Craig Smith is a fantastic coach, mentor, family man, and friend (he is also a pretty good follow on Twitter @CoachCraigYL). Rob is confident that he will make for a top-notch partner as well. Bringing such a wealth of basketball knowledge into an already thriving business is a recipe for success.

Congratulations to Craig Smith on becoming a partner with The Basketball Movement. Congrats also to Rob and his business for landing a great man and basketball guru. Keep an eye out for even more good things to come from The Basketball Movement, which is stronger than ever.

Community - The Basketball Movement

Following the conclusion of the Angels of the Hardwood event, we examine the importance of community.

Community may have different meanings depending on who you ask. Communities can be big or small. They can consist of families, neighbors, peers, cities, or regions. Whatever you consider your community, understand that you and everyone else in it has a responsibility to make it better.

Not everyone will contribute to strengthening a community; not everyone can. That is why it is imperative that individuals such as yourself step up to the plate. Take pride in where you are from.

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Angels of the Hardwood 🙏🙏🏀🏀

A post shared by The Basketball movement (@thebasketballmovement) on Dec 16, 2018 at 7:57pm PST

Any community that you have been a part of has helped to shape you into the person you are today. However, you aren’t the only one. Other individuals in your community have also been shaped by some common factors. Most importantly, others such as children are still being shaped while growing in those communities.

Widespread aid - helping on a large scale is fantastic, but not always easy. Giving back to the communities that helped shape you is an excellent way to make an immediate impact. The more you care about the people and places you are giving back to, the greater impact you will likely have.

At the Angels of the Hardwood event, The Basketball Movement and Yanders Law gave back to the local community in the form of Nike Elite basketballs, Nike shoes, free lessons, motivation, and camaraderie. We were able to turn something we are passionate about into a positive for our community and the results were amazing.

You are likely big into basketball yourself, but there are so many other ways to give back. If your talents are in music, use that to lift spirits at a local veteran’s home. If you are great with kids, get involved with after-school programs. Not sure what to do? Find a great organization such as Convoy of Hope - they can always use help packing food and hygiene kits that help families all over.

However you do it, keep your community’s needs in your thoughts and allow those thoughts to become action whenever possible.

Check out more on Angels of the Hardwood here and keep following along as we use basketball to unite people and bring about positive change.

The Basketball Movement - New basketball equipment

Rob Yanders and The Basketball Movement deliver on more promises as they optimize the workout space in the north gym.

Stepping foot into The Basketball Movement facility, attention is instantly drawn to the vibrant red, white and, blue of the new court floors. Beyond that, the scent of hardwood, sound of balls bouncing, and chatter of basketball minds at work flood the senses.

It is easy to get caught up in this basketball wonderland, but on the other side of the floor, you will also notice where much of the trench-work goes on.

The devices lining the northernmost wall of the facility allows our athletes to work out in a professional atmosphere using basketball-centric equipment. The machines are all low-impact, ideal for basketball workouts. There are TVs with sports running all the time, free weights, balls and cones, and more.

Founder Rob Yanders broke down some of what The Movement is offering in his post below:

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Check it out!! The Basketball Movement!!

A post shared by The Basketball movement (@thebasketballmovement) on Dec 13, 2018 at 9:43am PST

As Rob mentions, the equipment at this facility mirrors that of professional facilities from coast-to-coast. LeBron James’ workouts always seem to include images of him on his Versaclimber, using medicine balls, or putting in work on a bike. This seems like a good time for a cheesy, but accurate call to action…

Work out like a pro at The Basketball Movement.

This isn’t lip-service. The Basketball Movement is genuinely in the business of creating a professional level training facility in the heart of the country that is accessible to all.

Whether you are looking to prepare for Jr. High basketball tryouts or gearing up to play professional basketball, you can guarantee that The Basketball Movement has something for everyone.

The Movement has much more to offer, so keep clicking around here to check it out. Follow us on Instagram for more clips like those above, including Rob taking you on a tour around the facility’s film room, barber shop, and more.

Big season coming for Anton Brookshire

Expectations are high for Kickapoo High’s Anton Brookshire, but the hype is well-founded.

The Basketball Movement and Yanders Law are both thrilled to have had the opportunity to grow alongside budding star, Anton Brookshire. Anton embodies everything that The Basketball Movement is all about. His character, focus, and of course basketball skills add up to one of the most impressive prep athletes that has walked through our doors.

Kickapoo’s season begins today with the Parkview Tournament. Talking with Brookshire, he is ready to get the season started and thinks the team is looking good. Kickapoo High School Basketball is in good hands; Anton says he is 100% to start the season.

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@antonbrookshire2 👀 🔥🔥🔥🔥

A post shared by The Basketball movement (@thebasketballmovement) on Nov 28, 2018 at 8:01pm PST

Anton says that the Kickapoo team is looking good and should have a great season if they continue to play together. A district title is the current goal, but the potential for a push after is driving the team as well.

Personally, his goals center around being a leader on the floor for his team and just being the best he can be. He admitted that making the all-district team wouldn’t be so bad either.

Scoring helps a lot in getting recognized at the district level and beyond. Anton is a proven scorer, but is also more than capable of distributing once defenses collapse on him. Sounds a lot like a few of the players he loves to watch - Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker. Brookshire is going to be a fun player to watch this year.

Anton Brookshire at The Basketball Movement

A staple of The Basketball Movement, Brookshire is a gym rat that is always looking to improve his game. He says that he has been working on a bit of everything to take his game to the next level with an emphasis on finishing at the basket, defense, and getting stronger.

As the nephew of The Basketball Movement’s Founder Rob Yanders, Anton has been around to see all of the changes The Movement has undergone over the years.

“It’s a great facility; I love the gym. It’s crazy how much he has put into it, but also how much is still coming. ”

— Anton Brookshire on The Basketball Movement

He of course had great things to say about Yanders, who he believes is the best trainer in the world. “He’s just a good guy to be around - a great motivator.” The respect goes both ways, as it isn’t difficult to get Rob to gush about Anton.

You don’t have to be related to Anton Brookshire to have a reason to marvel at his game. Even though he is coming off a season in which he missed several games and is just beginning his Junior year, he has offers on the table from Missouri State, UWM, UNLV, and Tennessee State. He has also received interest from OSU, Tulsa, Creighton, and Missouri.

He tells us that he is not leaning towards a particular school just yet, but may before his senior year.

Whatever the future hold for Anton, it is bright. He has a full endorsement from The Basketball Movement as one of the most impressive prospects we’ve had at the high school level. Good luck to he and his team this year as they start what should be a fun ride!

Chase Adams - Lightning quick prospect

Prep star, Chase Adams is “betting on himself” after announcing de-commitment from Towson University. We believe it is a good bet.

Even for non-athletes, selecting a college or university can be a daunting task. For athletes like Chicago’s Chase Adams, choosing where you will go to school and put in hours, days, and weeks on the court is not one to be taken lightly. Adams knows this and is making sure that he is in charge of his down destiny.

After previously verbally committing to Towson University, Link Year Prep’s star point guard has opted to throw his name back out into the recruitment ring.

Betting on myself and putting my faith into my game. Let’s get to it. pic.twitter.com/G4slNnpY5w

— Chase Adams (@chasec0urage) November 21, 2018

The Basketball Movement is a perfect platform for confident players like Chase as we work together to help him in the recruiting process. Of course we are here to also help improve his on-court skills along the way.

Time with The Basketball Movement

Adams told us it was his Link Year Prep Head Coach Adam Donyes that referred him to Coach Robert Yanders and The Basketball Movement. He says that there was an “instant connection” with Yanders.

“I feel like he took me under his wing right away. At The Basketball Movement, I’ve learned to bet on myself and believe in myself when no one else does. No one can tell me what I can’t do.”

— Chase Adams on Rob and The Movement

Coach Yanders has had success working with players of all sizes at every position. There is something special about his connection with quick guards that may be considered under-sized. Rob was able to make a career out of his quickness, tenacity, and skill - something that makes him very relatable for players like Chase Adams.

When asked how he stands out on the court with his unassuming stature, Chase said “By being a dog on the court”. He says he makes his teammates better, but can still score when the opportunity arises, which he displayed several weeks ago at The Basketball Movement Invitational Camp, where he was First-Team in our “NBA Division”.

His ability to lead, be a pest on defense, and speed up the offense is what will get him plenty of attention on the collegiate scene. He says that he is currently focusing on his defense and being a knock-down shooter in preparation for college ball.

Adams is taking his talents to the next level

The floor general says that his current focus is on where he is right now. He is in the gym everyday while helping his Link Year Prep team. They have some big games and tournaments coming up, so his immediate goals are to kill the tournaments and let the rest fall into place.

As mentioned earlier, Adams had previously committed verbally to Towson University. He told The Basketball Movement that he made his decision too quickly, before really giving himself a chance to grow and showcase himself every step of the way. He has an obvious appreciation for the Towson program, but he certainly owes it to himself to take his time in this decision.

“I’m going to keep improving and play even better than I had been. I am excited to see which schools come into play now as I improve.”

— Chase Adams

Anyone that has seen Adams in person or on video can attest to what he can do. His quickness, distribution skills, and surprising scoring punch will get him plenty of Division I attention. The Basketball Movement is excited to have had the opportunity to work with Chase and root him on as his career progresses. The program that lands him will be very lucky.

For more player bios, basketball news, and tips, you are in the right place. Remember to follow us on Twitter and Instagram and follow us on Facebook. Keep grinding!

Dunking - Too flashy? Energizing? Worth it?

NBA players dunk all the time, college players dunk a lot, and high schoolers dunk occasionally. Is it worth it at every level?

Dunking has long been one of the most interesting aspects of basketball. Not everyone can fully appreciate the execution of a perfectly set screen, but even a non-basketball fan recognizes the spectacle of a player rising above all others to punch the ball through the opponent’s goal.

To be able to slam a basketball through a ten-foot-tall goal that is guarded by five opposing players is one of the most enviable feats in sports. It takes athleticism, timing, and yes - height helps too. So if you can dunk, should you?

The general reasons for dunking are similar across the board, but can vary slightly from level to level. NBA players typically dunk because not only is it relatively easy for most of them, it is the highest percentage shot they can take. When you are taking the ball to the hole with seven-footers looming, you need to make sure you are putting it through with authority.

NCAA hoops bridge the gap somewhat here, but in most other levels of the game, dunking isn’t always necessary. A fundamental, energy-saving layup will do fine in most circumstances. However, there are other benefits of a dunk that we haven’t discussed.

Pumping up your team and your crowd

As I mentioned, there is something unique and mesmerizing about a player rising up and hammering down a dunk. Instead of gently placing the ball in your opponent’s goal, you are slamming it in a display of dominance. It is a way of showing your opponents that they were soundly defeated on the particular possession.

(Talking about dunking make you want to watch some dunks? Good, me too. Here is a video of one of my personal favorite dunkers - fresh knees Blake Griffin)

Such an act gets your adrenaline flowing as well as your teammates and your fans. The more into the game the fans are, the more they will go wild and do their best to cheer you on. From routine slams to 360 windmills, everyone loves a good dunk.

Just make sure you’re ready

As much as you and everyone else can get out of a made dunk, it can also have the opposite effect to miss one. Missing a dunk is like fumbling on the goal line. It’s like doing your homework and forgetting to turn it in. It’s like saving the best looking piece of bacon for last and then being too full to eat it. Okay, that one’s a stretch. There is always room for bacon.

Anyway - Only attempt a dunk if you are sure you can finish. Coaches are not happy by blown possessions, which is exactly what you will have on your hands if you get all the way to the basket and don’t finish. I have heard of high school coaches that forbid their players from dunking. That is a tad extreme if you have confident dunkers in your lineup, though you can see where a high school coach may have been negatively impacted by missed dunks in the past.

If you are just coming around as a dunker, just keep working. Adrenaline may help, but don’t do your early dunk attempts in-game. Make sure that you can routinely put them down uncontested before you even think about trying one during live action.

Missed dunks can be a bit embarrassing, so like anything else in basketball, constantly hone this skill. Get comfortable dunking from straight on, the baseline, and wings. Once you can do one-hand slams, move to two-hand so that you can get those high percentage looks that make dunking so important.

To get in a gym and work on not only your skills, but your conditioning and physical ability as well, reach out to us at The Basketball Movement. We can help you get the most out of your abilities on your journey to the top.

The first annual Basketball Movement Jamboree

This weekend saw the first annual Basketball Movement Jamboree for 5th and 6th grade boys.

The first annual Basketball Movement Jamboree was a success, with multiple teams coming together to play each other in a mini-tournament. Practice and drills are important, but nothing aids game preparation quite like… well, playing games.

The Basketball Movement was happy to be able to host and showcase our facilities.

Four of the Yanders Law teams were in attendance - Yanders Law Arkansas and Tulsa were not able to attend this time. There were several other teams as well that came to ball out. It was an excellent opportunity to bring coaches and teams together to have a meeting of basketball minds in addition to getting to just play basketball.

We would like to extend our thanks to all of the teams that came out to make the jamboree a success. The Basketball Movement is a hub for all ages of boys and girls to step up their game and this weekend’s success was another great example.

As I write this from the press box at The Basketball Movement, Yanders Law players are practicing in the gyms below. It is a great reminder of what The Basketball Movement facility and Yanders Law program offer these players.

Coach Craig already has the guys working up a sweat - pushing the importance of doing your job, carrying your weight, and trusting your teammates to do the same. Having trust in your teammates can be freeing, even if you are focused on doing your job. Trusting your teammates makes for more confident passing, better help defense, and group muscle memory.

In the other gym, Coach Sly is making sure that the players start strong and finish strong in everything they do. Taking your foot off the gas opens opportunities for opponents to get a leg-up when they shouldn’t. Finishing strong in your drills will help you finish your games strong too.

The scene here at The Movement changes a bit day-to-day, but the message and mission are always the same. Players come here to get better at basketball and the result is more skilled players, strengthened friendships, and better people.

We are proud of what we do and will definitely do more jamborees in the future after the success of the weekend.

Keep your eyes out for more collaborations with Yanders Law, Jamborees, and other events from The Basketball Movement!

Angels of the Hardwood - Yanders Law, The Basketball Movement, and Jones Family YMCA

Yanders Law, The Basketball Movement, and the Jones Family YMCA are teaming up to bring Angels of the Hardwood to the local community.

This year will mark the first annual Angels of the Hardwood event put on by Yanders Law and its players. Yanders Law will be partnering with The Basketball Movement and its coaches to utilize the facilities and resources that The Basketball Movement can provide. The goal of this absolutely free event is to make a difference in the lives of children and let them know that people care.

During the Angels of the Hardwood event, 100 pairs of Nike shoes will be given to those in need as well as Nike shirts, basketballs, and more. The event will take place at the Jones Family YMCA on December 16th from 1:00 to 3:00pm. Angels of the Hardwood is an idea by Rob Yanders, born out of a desire to give back to the community using the platform of basketball.

“A night of basketball” will be taking place at the Jones Family YMCA in conjunction with the Angels of the Hardwood event. This evening will bring everything back to basketball, giving the players the opportunity to grow on the court through Basketball Movement skills and drills.

Full details for the event can be found on Yanders Law website here.

Follow Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement wherever possible to learn more about initiatives like this as well as some of the best basketball training and development available in the Midwest.

Life Through Sport - The Basketball Movement

The Basketball Movement is launching a new program to teach young people and athletes life lessons through sports.

A basketball and sports-centered curriculum is the perfect tool to teach life lessons. Sports are relatable, engaging, and fun. They capture those involved and those who watch like little else can in our world. The Basketball Movement has always stressed the importance of being a good teammate, family member, and friend as well as valuable member of society. Now, we are taking that to the next level.

Enter: Life Through Sport. At TBM, we love basketball. Beyond that, we love player development and even more so - people development. It is important to love the game because it will push individuals to unlock their potential as players. There are so many life lessons to be learned from basketball though, that we want to highlight the important carryovers into everyday life. That is what Life Through Sport is all about.

Players of all ages can benefit from the Life Through Sport curriculum at The Basketball Movement. The courses are applicable to grade school players that still have much to learn all the way up to NBA-level guys that need reminders and advice on what it means to be purpose-driven and kind.

Life Through Sport will involve mini discussions, group workshops, and patented motivational speaking by The Basketball Movement’s Founder, Rob Yanders.

The first course of the program will be “Legacy”. The keys will be character, responsibility, preparation, purpose, sacrifice, and more. The takeaways from this new curriculum will give players a head-start compared to other athletes. There will be more specifics on Legacy and the program as a whole coming very soon.

“The person is the player” as Rob says, which means that performance on the court is often a reflection of your attitude in life. Your life can affect your game, but, The Basketball Movement is going to teach how your game can affect your life.

Stay tuned for more details about Life Through Sport as The Basketball Movement continues to strive to help our players reach their full potential on and off the court. Thanks for being along for the ride.

Happy Halloween from The Basketball Movement

Happy Halloween, everyone! You know what’s really scary? Letting your basketball skills get rusty. Yikes!

Something we really get right in the U.S. of A. is holidays. From Independence Day and Christmas to more silly ones like Valentine’s Day and Halloween, we know how to party. Holidays are fun, but also just great excuses to get together with family and friends.

Unfortunately, Halloween gets a bad rap compared to some of the other holidays because a lot of people take advantage of it. Many people are going around in costumes and masks, which makes individuals think they can get away with things. Vandalism and theft are usually up around this time, often involving kids.

As athletes or student-athletes, you have a lot on your plate. It is already tough to balance your work and or school life while improving on the game that you love. With a sport like basketball, you have many teammates that depend on you to pull your weight and set a good example. For that reason (among many others) you need to remember to not let peer pressure or other temptations get you into trouble.

“The person is the player” as Rob Yanders says. Anything you do off the court has a chance to impact you on the court. One or two silly decisions may have an impact that you aren’t prepared for. You know how to conduct yourself; make smart decisions that are not going to even have a chance of negative consequence.

“What you do when nobody is watching is what separates a champion from everybody else. ”

— Unknown

Before you do anything tonight with family, friends, or on your own, get some free throws up. Holidays are unique because they are seen as days-off from the norm, even ones like Halloween, where you must still go to work or school. On days in which people are soaking up time off - that may be your opportunity to get even better than normal at your craft. Days like this are the perfect opportunity to outwork your competition.

As it often is around this time, tonight is looking like it will be cool and wet. This may not be ideal for putting in work in the driveway or street, but you know where you can find a gym to get some work done in. Even a state-of-the-art facility like The Basketball Movement is simply built around some basketball hoops. Give us a shout if you would like to come in and outwork your competition.

Happy Halloween again, everyone! Remember to stay safe, soak up family and friends, and outwork everybody else during the holiday season!

Fantasy basketball - Taking fandom to the next level

The Basketball Movement is all about basketball in reality, but fantasy basketball is too big to ignore.

Within the doors of The Basketball Movement, players of all kinds have trained to improve. From grade school girls to the men of the NBA, The Movement has been dedicated to enriching basketball experiences, taking skill development to the next level, and promoting players and the sport of basketball in as many ways as possible.

While real, physical development is what TBM is all about, there is an intangible aspect of basketball that is growing all the time. Let’s talk about fantasy hoops.

Stats have been a big part of sports for a long time. Points per game as well as rebounds and assists have long been obvious indicators of success on the floor. It is not surprising that as time has gone on, more statistical categories have been scrutinized and compared, especially at the pro level.

With the ever-growing emphasis on statistics, fantasy basketball was always an inevitability. The premise was quickly rounded into the game-within-a-game that we now see today. Family, friends, and even complete strangers can use fantasy drafts to assemble a team of ballers that they believe is better than everyone else’s. Arguing about which players are better, worse, or primed for a breakout has never had a better platform.

Fantasy hoops is a great way for fans to show off what they believe to be superior sports knowledge. It also just makes for some good conversation. For those that play, it makes sure that you always have something to talk about with fellow sports enthusiasts. (Personal plug: I have written more about fantasy being the “Rosetta Stone” of sports here on my personal site).

2018-19 NBA fantasy players

With the 2018-19 NBA season underway, the fantasy season has also begun. It is still not too late to join drafts on sites such as Yahoo or ESPN. Player rankings often depend on the type of scoring in the league. The below list from ESPN.com for example suggests Russell Westbrook going very high in drafts. That means it is projecting for a league that discounts the negative effects of field goal percentage and turnovers.

(Second personal plug: Speaking of Westbrook and fantasy, I will be writing a weekly fantasy column on the OKC Thunder players and their opponents. Check out the week 1 article at Thunderous Intentions)

No list like the one below is guaranteed to bring success. That is the fun part: making your own picks and bragging about it later (or feeling great shame).

As the title mentions, this list displays the top 150, but that gets a bit lengthy for our purposes. To see all picks, use the ESPN link posted above.

Alright, alright, enough about fantasy. Keep scrolling through The Basketball Movement’s blog for not only more NBA content, but more stuff on all things basketball.

Altercations on the court

In a competitive environment, altercations are going to occur. Learn how to deal with them with TBM.

Thanks to our friend, the internet, we are constantly seeing fights at all levels of the game of basketball. Much of them involve trash talking gone wrong, embarrassed players acting out, or players determined to show others up or act tough. Even at the highest level - the NBA has already had some on-court altercations between players despite only being in the preseason.

Basketball is a game, and therefore built around competition. Two teams try their best to outplay each other, so naturally emotion and competitive nature sometimes overflow.

Of course, our best advice is to avoid confrontation completely. If you or your team are rolling, get pumped up and let your swagger infect your squad. However, remember to not taunt opposing players. Also be gracious in defeat, and take out your frustrations by playing hard, not dishing out verbal jabs or frustration fouls.

Basketball is a team sport, so acting out on the court is when something gets under your skin is a selfish action. Even if you keep yourself in check, your teammates or opponents may not be so even-keeled at all times. Know what to do if an altercation boils over on the floor.

When things have gone too far

At all levels of the game (perhaps even more so in the pros), we see players getting in each other’s faces. Shouting matches accomplish nothing positive for your squad. If you see players starting into each other, place yourself between your teammate and the opponent. Do your best to talk them down by reminding him or her that the team needs them to remain cool. A technical free throw can decide a close game and an ejected player can really hurt your team.

If talking your teammate down is not accomplishing anything, attempt to act as a wall and keep your teammate from getting involved with the opposing player physically. Gradually do what you can to get the players moving apart from each other. Once your teammate’s attention gets diverted, the coach can step in and remind them where their priorities lie.

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”

— Michael Jordan

In the event that things do turn physical, keeping the players apart becomes even more important. You can take a bit of a more “hands-on” approach to holding your teammate back, just make sure to not be too aggressive in any of your actions, or they may be misinterpreted.

Wrestling around acting tough is one thing, but if someone starts throwing punches, you have a problem. Not only can players get hurt, even those not involved, but ejections also may turn into lengthy suspensions. Letting your emotions get the best of you in situations like these is one of the most selfish things you can do as a player.

Remember, these things do not apply to bench players. If you are on the bench while an altercation is taking place, stay on the bench. Stand and deliver advice to the players on the court if you must, but if you step onto the court, you are just going to hurt your team.

For more basketball tips, news, and info, keep checking back here at The Basketball Movement.

The Basketball Movement Invitational recap

The Basketball Movement’s 2018 Boys Invitational Camp was a success for all involved.

The Movement wants to thank all of the players that came out, parents or guardians of those players, staff and volunteers, and sponsors for helping to make this another successful camp.

A camp like this one sets out with several clear goals: Improve players, showcase their talent, build relationships, and have fun playing the amazing game of basketball. We enjoyed meeting first-time participants and parents as well as reconnecting with those we already knew well. The Basketball Movement is thrilled to be able to provide a platform for these up-and-comers as they look to improve and gain recognition.

The camp is invitational because iron sharpens iron. Players were able to compete at a very high level that they may not always have the opportunity to do. Aside from playing 3v3, 4v4, and 5v5, players also got to focus on skill development while soaking up the wealth of knowledge Rob Yanders and his coaches provide. A focus on physical well-being, interactions/connections, and continuous development are always at the forefront at The Movement.

With interviews, professional photos, some Twitter shoutouts, and more, players got to experience a professional atmosphere that is rare at this level. Part of it builds confidence and promotes an elite-level experience, but also… it’s fun! Basketball is a game and The Movement always pulls out all the stops for players at all levels.

There was no shortage of highlights from the weekend. Let’s get into which players stood out from the pack!

All-NBA Division Second Team

The games were broken up into three tiers: NBA, G-League, and Division I. The games were played using corresponding rules from their league. Below are The Basketball Movement’s selections for the All-NBA Division Second Team.

Evan Guillory

6’2” - Joplin class of 2020

Donyae McCaskill

6’2” - Vashon class of 2019

Committed to University of Portland

Isaac Haney

6’0” - Dora class of 2021

Anton Brookshire

6’1” - Kickapoo class of 2021

Quenton Shelton

6’2” - Lebanon class of 2020

Congratulations to The Basketball Movement’s All-NBA Division Second Team players!

All-NBA Division First Team

Now for the players that stood out all weekend long and earned top honors. Below are The Movement’s selections for All-NBA Division First Team.

Malek Davis

5’10” - Cardinal Ritter Prep class of 2019

Committed to Drury

Tre Edwards

6’7” - Link Year Prep class of 2019

Chase Adams

5’8” - Link Year Prep class of 2019

Tyem Freeman

6’6” - Parkview class of 2019

Committed to Missouri State

Austin Johnson

6’9” Link Year Prep class of 2019

Congratulations to the above All-NBA Division First Team players from The Basketball Movement’s Boys Invitational Camp!

Of course we still have other divisions. Keep an eye on The Basketball Movement’s blog and follow us on Twitter @BBall_Movement to stay on top of this and all other things basketball. Thanks again to all involved with making this year’s tournament a success. Keep grinding!

Day two grinding - TBM Invitational Camp

Bigger day - bigger turnout as some holdouts from Friday night football are here to round out the rosters.

The Basketball Movement’s 2018 Boys Invitational Camp had a great turnout night one. Players were able to get their pro photos taken, some great workouts in, and even a few trims in the chop shop upstairs. Day two is gearing up to be even better with a full crop of young men and great action on deck.

Yesterday was filled with drills, half court work, and a get-to-know-you feel. Today the players will be going harder at their stations and get in some NBA style combine work. Everything will culminate tonight in games divided by the respective tiers.

The Division 1 game will be played first this evening, then G-League, finishing with the NBA division. As we had mentioned, the games will be played using the corresponding rules of the league. That means we will be firing up the shot clocks, running 12 minute quarters, upping foul counts, and everything in-between.

A lot of the players are pumped for the combine drills, but of course the games are the highlight. Game-time situations are always a player’s favorite. It will give them the opportunity to show out and apply everything they have learned so far from Rob Yanders and The Basketball Movement.

The players are going through stretches now and Rob is - you guessed it - fired up. Like a kid in a candy store, Rob is jumping around like a ball of energy and encouragement. Coach Rob genuinely loves improving players as people and players. Each one of these athletes will have the opportunity to grow in the game of basketball here as well as soak up Rob’s positive influence.

The intensity is already palpable as the coaches are moving from stretching into conditioning. No one is going halfway today.

Side note: The shoe game today is on point with these players! Of course the TBM crew is looking fresh as well in head-to-toe Nike/Jordan gear.

On that note we want to give another shoutout to our tournament sponsors: Nike, Gatorade, Eastbay, Houlihan’s, Hilton Garden Inn, Guaranty Bank, Great Southern Bank, Old Missouri Bank, and TLC Properties

TBM's 2018 Boy's Invitational Camp is underway!

Coach Rob Yanders is firing up the troops as The Basketball Movement kicks off it’s annual invitational camp.

The Basketball Movement’s camp is different. Players from Springfield to Spain and everywhere in-between have gathered to learn under the tutelage of Coach Rob Yanders and his crew. Players started off by getting up some practice shots and coming over for professional photographs ahead of the real work.

There is a sense of excitement from the moment you walk through The Movement’s doors. The scent of hardwood, sound of balls bouncing, and nervous energy give off the perfect vibe. The camp already has a professional feel.

Rob was firing up the players already, as is his specialty. The inspirational Yanders is mixing his patented brand of toughness with a little humor and of course - fire.

After getting a few shots up, some jogging/stretching, and a couple more words of encouragement - we are already going full-speed.

The players have been divided up by initial tiers and are cycling through their stations. The nervous energy is quickly evaporating and turning into sweat and instinct. As the players continue to warm up and fully get their blood pumping, they will soon be ready for Robert’s hardcore basketball style.

It is an impressive crop of players from very diverse backgrounds. It will be exciting to see how far The Basketball Movement can elevate their game. If they are willing to put in the work, they will leave day one exhausted, better, and hungry for more.

Stay tuned.

The Basketball Movement 2018 Boys High School Invitational Camp

The Basketball Movement is hosting an elite camp under head instructor Rob Yanders with combine drills, scouting, development, and competitive play.

This weekend, September 28-30 is the 7th annual Basketball Movement Invitational Camp. However, this year is completely different. The Basketball Movement is taking the traditional basketball camp experience and ratcheting it up multiple levels. This invite-only camp is designed to showcase and improve top-tier men’s high school basketball talent.

The camp will feature NBA style combine testing, intense skill development work, and competitive gameplay. After a successful career at all levels of the game, coach Rob Yanders and his staff will spend the weekend grooming players for success and instilling lessons for life on and off the court.

For More on Rob Yanders and his vision for The Basketball Movement, click here.

WHEN

Things will start Friday at 7:00 PM and run through Sunday at 5:00 PM. Friday will largely consist of NBA-style combine work so that players can show their abilities and skill level. Saturday will involve intense development as players cycle through stations, learn schemes, and participate in competitive halfcourt situations (2v2, 4v4, etc.). Games will be played nightly.

WHERE

Everything will take place at The Basketball Movement Facility:

2135 N Sports Complex Ln, Nixa, MO

WHAT TO EXPECT

There will be former NBA players, college players, coaches, scouts, and of course top high school boys talent in attendance. There will be media and scouting coverage by Slam Magazine, BallisLife, MidwestBallers, The Basketball Movement, 8EYE Media, SWMO Basketball, and other scouting outlets.

The games will be broken up into tiers this year. There will be NBA Level, G-League level, and D1 level. Each night will start with the D1 game and end with NBA, using rules from the corresponding levels. This means that the top level games will be played with NBA rules - 24 second shot clock, six fouls, four 12 minute quarters, etc.

Stats will be a point of emphasis this year, with statisticians in the building for each game. They will be implementing a European approach to complete player evaluations after each game. This will be a true measure of productivity that extends well beyond scoring. Rebounds, deflections, everything that happens on the court will be taken into account.

CHARITY ASPECT - CONVOY OF HOPE

The Basketball Movement will be using this opportunity to teach players the importance of paying it forward. Athletes have the privilege of playing the sport they love - but not everyone can experience such privileges.

Investing in community is very important to TBM’s founder, Rob Yanders. As he says, “You don’t have to be great to serve, but you do have to serve to be great.” More on how The Movement will be giving back with clothes, food, etc. to come.

HOTEL / COST

Players will be coming in from all over. Players should have received hotel and cost information from The Basketball Movement. If you still need details or were unable to access this information, Contact The Basketball Movement using the below information:

ROB YANDERS 417.655.1001
CRAIG SMITH: 417.861.2166
OFFICE: 417.988.6723
basketballmovement@yahoo.com

SPONSORS

This year’s camp sponsored by: Nike, Gatorade, Eastbay, Houlihan’s, Hilton Garden Inn, Guaranty Bank, Great Southern Bank, Old Missouri Bank, TLC Properties

"The person is the player"

A Rob Yanders quote cuts deep as we reflect on the impact your life can have on your game.

Often, we are told to shut out emotions as players. The ideal basketball player is always calm, cool, and collected. It is one thing to play with passion, but carrying feelings of sadness, anger, or even a carefree attitude onto the court can negatively impact your play. All of this may be true, but it is unrealistic to expect this from players at all times.

Whether or not you realize it, your life is affecting you on the basketball court. This can be a positive or negative thing. When things are going well in your life, you have less worries. Less worry means less distraction to take away from what you are doing in game-time situations. Basketball can be a distraction from life on its own, but life always finds its way into your thoughts and demeanor.

“The person is the player” is a favorite quote of The Basketball Movement’s Founder, Rob Yanders. This quote was first brought to my attention in an interview with Trae Bell-Haynes, a pro player in Germany. Rob understands that players are more than just guards and forwards - they are people; sons, daughters, friends, students, employees, what have you.

This understanding is what makes Rob such a great coach. He cares for his players and knows that one way to improve on the court is to have a happy life.

Eliminating negativity from your life can be important for not just basketball, but everything you do. The issue with eliminating negativity is that it isn’t always possible. You can cut out toxic friends and influences, but some potentially negative aspects of your life may be more permanent.

It may be easier said than done, but it is important to try and shape the negativity into controlled aggression, motivation, and a competitive advantage. No one knows exactly what you’re going through besides yourself. If you must dwell on those issues, put a positive spin on them. Use things like basketball to enhance your life by making you rise above your problems. Not much beats the feeling of netting a shot, outrunning an opponent for a loose ball, or skying over everyone for a rebound. The harder you play, the more the issues of the world melt away.

“There are hurdles to overcome in sport and in life. Sport is a very valuable learning ground for how to live your life in the best possible way.”

— Lynn Davies

If things are generally positive in your life, you will naturally have fewer worries on the court. On the flip side though, you may have less reason to have an edge or play with a chip on your shoulder.

As a player, I personally had a pretty carefree attitude. Win-lose-or-draw, I was about the same after each game. I was happy to have been able to play and not too concerned when I didn’t get in as much as I would like. As a person, this contentment certainly seemed like a strength. As a player however, it resulted in a lack of drive that could hold me back in a competitive situation.

“Positive thinking is more than just a tagline. It changes the way we behave. And I firmly believe that when I am positive, it not only makes me better, but it also makes those around me better.”

— Harvey Mackay

Everyone is different. Each individual player has a unique situation and a unique way to cope. At The Basketball Movement, Rob Yanders and his coaches are able to bring out a competitive fire in complacent players like I used to be. They can also teach players with more difficult backgrounds to take what they feel may be holding them back and turn it into a monstrous drive to succeed.

Do your best to mold your life into what you want it to be. For help translating everything to the basketball court, contact The Basketball Movement here!

2018 WNBA Finals - It's a wrap

The 2018 WNBA season is officially done thanks to a Finals sweep by the Seattle Storm.

WNBA playoff series are all best-of-five from the first round through the Finals. Somewhat surprisingly, the Seattle Storm only needed three games to put away the Washington Mystics and claim the title of champion for the 2018 season.

The final game was largely decided by perimeter shooting, with the Storm going 13 of 26 from deep. The stretch-bigs proved to be the difference. A four-time NCAA champion at UCONN, the Storm were led by regular season MVP, Breanna Stewart. This is the sixth time that a player has won the regular season MVP award and also gone on the win Finals MVP.

Stewart’s greatness at just 24 years old is impressive. On the other end of the spectrum, her teammate, Sue Bird’s continued excellence at age 37 stands out as well. She is one of the most tenured and respected players in the league.

The Washington Mystics, led by star Elena Della Donne are certainly disappointed by the results, but had a great season.

First and Second Team All-WNBA

Following the championship, the WNBA also released the picks for All-WNBA First and Second team. For anyone following along, the list is not too surprising. The league tweeted out the selections below.

ICYMI: @ESPN unveils the 2018 All #WNBA Teams!

First Team:@ECambage@De11eDonne@TipHayes3@BreannaStewart@DianaTaurasi

Second Team:@SkyDigg4@BrittneyGriner@MooreMaya@Candace_Parker@Sloot22#WatchMeWork pic.twitter.com/sBtozJsaqK

— WNBA (@WNBA) September 14, 2018

Congratulations to Finals standouts and First-Team selections, Breanna Stewart and Elena Della Donne as well as everyone else selected. It was another great season.

Now the wait is on for NCAA and NBA basketball. NBA preseason action starts September 28th, so it will be here before you know it! OKC Thunder All-Star Russell Westbrook has already been declared out for the preseason with arthroscopic knee surgery, so basketball news continues.

The Basketball Movement will continue to cover all things basketball, so keep checking in!